Mumbai:   Ambuja Cement Foundation has empowered 74,000 youth across the country through its 35 Skill and Entrepreneurship Training Institutes (SEDI) in 10 states. Where there continues to be an imbalance between supply and demand in India, Ambuja Cement Foundation is helping to educate youth through its 43 certified courses in eight sectors with a placement rate of 75%.

“At Ambuja Cements, we are committed to creating jobs and closing the skills gap not only in urban areas but also in rural India. Our initiatives have helped empower 65000 youth. This is a testimony to our ethos of contributing to our country’s Skill India initiative,” said Neeraj Akhoury, MD & CEO, Ambuja Cements.

Pearl Tiwari, Director and CEO, Ambuja Cement Foundation, said, “Education and training are the most important components to create jobs for any economy. It is very important to bridge the skill gap and support the spirit of entrepreneurship not only in urban areas, but also in rural areas, especially after COVID-19 when people are back to work. Through SEDI, we aim to motivate youth and equip them for both, jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities, enabling job creation and economic progress. We wholeheartedly believe in contributing to the Government’s Skill India mission and look forward to many more milestones.”

SEDI is a unique skilling initiative introduced by Ambuja Cement Foundation that focuses on enhancing employability of rural youth through intensive vocational training courses. It aims to provide sustainable livelihoods by strengthening earning capacity through training programs. The initiative provides employment and promotes entrepreneurship to help students start their own business and equip them with the necessary skills to thrive.

SEDI also trains differently abled people in courses like hospitality, AC and Refrigerator Repair, Smartphone Repair and BPO Call Centre Executive, and have provided them with placement opportunities, which has transformed their lives. ACF has also introduced this model to the intellectually disabled students of Ambuja Manovikas Kendra (AMK) in Ropar, Punjab, partnering with a like-minded foundation by introducing courses in bakery and entrepreneurship options.

Established in 1993, Ambuja Cement Foundation helps rural youth learn various skills through its customized programs so they can find jobs, build careers, and start businesses in their local markets or neighborhoods. ACF also provides mentoring and support to help youth transition into formal employment.